Softball Game Preview: Highland Tech Rams vs. Cherryville Ironmen

For the second straight game, Highland Tech will face off against Cherryville. The Rams will welcome the Ironmen at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Highland Tech has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Highland Tech is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Cherryville just ended the team's six-game winning streak on Tuesday. They came up short against the Ironmen, falling 12-2. The Rams were red-hot at the plate heading into the contest (they scored no less than ten runs in the five games prior), but the Ironmen's pitchers proved too tough.

For Cherryville's part, Raylei Gidney made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts Gidney has posted since back in March of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

In other batting news, Landyn McBride was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Alexis McSwain was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.

Cherryville hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Cherryville has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-5 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Highland Tech, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-4.